myoclonus

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myoclonus (my-oh-kloh-nŭs) n. a sudden spasm of the muscles. Myoclonus is a major feature of some progressive neurological illnesses with extensive degeneration of brain cells. nocturnal m. spasm of the muscles on falling asleep, which occurs in normal individuals.
—myoclonic (my-oh-klon-ik) adj.

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